Concordia University

Hub International Partner Lead Academic: Professor Suong Hoa

The Concordia Center for Composites (CONCOM) was established in 1979. The mission of CONCOM is to attain world class excellence in research, training and industrial development activities in composites, with an emphasis on the research and development of low-cost high-volume polymer matrix composite structures. Composite Structures and Materials at Concordia University aims: to carry out fundamental and applied research work on the areas of polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composites; to provide facilities for the training of researchers (graduate and undergraduate students) in the area of composite structures and materials; to provide assistance to companies, institutions and individuals working in composites in Canada and in other countries.

The main emphasis of the Centre is research, training, industrial support and development, to carry out fundamental and applied research work in the manufacturing of composites (filament winding, pultruding, resin transfer molding, compression molding, braiding, fabricating of three dimension composites, maintenance and repair of composite structures), the design of composite structures (development of special finite elements to handle composite laminates and development of computer aided design techniques for composite structural designs), the evaluation and inspection of composite structures (acoustic emission, ultrasonic, thermal imaging), the development of techniques for the characterization of materials (techniques for measuring mechanical, physical and thermal properties), and the development of new materials using different processing methods (work on polymer matrix, metal matrix and ceramic matrix composites).

The Centre for Composites works with many industry leading organizations, funding bodies, and institutions including the National Research Council of Canada, CRIAQ, CREPEC, Canada Space Agency, Center for Composite Materials at University Delaware, NanoQuebec, Bombardier Ltd., Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd., v, Auto 21, Marquez Transtech, FPInnovation, Plastiques GyF Itee, MDA Corporation, Delastek, Atlantic Composites, Dema Aeronautics, Gestion Valeo, MPB Technologies, CIRA (Italian Centre for Aerospace Research), AEMQ, Emergia Aerospace, Indian Institute of Science, Automated Dynamics, Rocky Mountain Bikes, Symatrix, European Society for Composite Materials (ESCM), French Association for Composite Materials (AMAC), and Network Group for Composites in Construction (NGCC, United Kingdom).

The interests of CONCOM researchers cover many areas, including: polymer composites, nanocomposites, polymer/metallic alloy, design of composite structures, testing of materials structures and properties, and the development of new materials and manufacturing techniques. Past and ongoing research projects include: development of thermoplastic composites landing gear for helicopters; development of thermoplastic composites wingbox; the development of epoxy nanocomposites with fire self-extinguishing properties; manufacturing system analysis optimization and optimal production planning and control; development of epoxy nanocomposites with excellent fracture resistance; development of polyurethane nanocomposites with excellent strength and toughness; development of nanofibers; modelling of mechanics of nanocomposites; shrinkage of polymers; fibre optic for strain monitoring and control of composite structures; development of composites with high electrical conductivity; use of FRP rods and sheets in reinforcing and strengthening masonry walls, beams and columns.

The unique facilities at Concordia enable researchers and students to participate in industry leading projects and world class research. CONCOM is supervising/ co-supervising a talented and dedicated group of students, many of whom have received prestigious scholarships such as NSERC, FQRNT and ASHRAE as well as best paper and other awards (ACFAS, ASHRAE etc.). For open graduate positions, and to find out more about the facilities and research at COMCOM, visit their website.

Concordia University